Constantin Stanislavski has probably had the greatest influence on acting and acting technique the world has ever seen. His system and techniques are used by almost every performer we see on screen or stage today and remains the only comprehensive documented theory on acting.
He spent most of his life testing and re-testing his theories on acting technique at the Moscow Art Company and has produced a trilogy of books, which have become the actor's bible. They are "An Actor Prepares", "Building a Character" and "Creating a Role".